Buena Vista University vs. The University of Tennessee Southern

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with The University of Tennessee Southern in Pulaski, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Buena Vista University is larger than The University of Tennessee Southern based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,046 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); The University of Tennessee Southern is in Pulaski, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Tennessee Southern is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; The University of Tennessee Southern 14:1.

Buena Vista University vs. The University of Tennessee Southern Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or The University of Tennessee Southern? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at The University of Tennessee Southern than Buena Vista University ($14,546 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Tennessee Southern are 26.7% lower than at Buena Vista University ($8,300 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 282.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than The University of Tennessee Southern (about $30,874 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $10,924.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 282.6% higher at Buena Vista University than at The University of Tennessee Southern (about $30,874 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $10,924.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at The University of Tennessee Southern (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 232.1% larger than aid received by The University of Tennessee Southern students ($34,397 vs. $10,358).

Buena Vista University vs. The University of Tennessee Southern Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or The University of Tennessee Southern? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between The University of Tennessee Southern and Buena Vista University.

• The University of Tennessee Southern reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 20 points higher than at The University of Tennessee Southern (1010).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at The University of Tennessee Southern).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; The University of Tennessee Southern 905/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; The University of Tennessee Southern 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; The University of Tennessee Southern - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: The University of Tennessee Southern Aug 26, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at The University of Tennessee Southern (3.17).
• The University of Tennessee Southern has a higher acceptance rate (86.7%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 26.1% at The University of Tennessee Southern.

Buena Vista University vs. The University of Tennessee Southern Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and The University of Tennessee Southern? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Buena Vista University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than The University of Tennessee Southern's (49%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than The University of Tennessee Southern graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $34,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Tennessee Southern graduates have a $1,707 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($22,315 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, The University of Tennessee Southern graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($230 vs. $248).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former The University of Tennessee Southern students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 43%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.